(a) There is established the Council on the Blind.
(b) The Council on the Blind shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Administrator of the Division for the Visually Impaired and shall consider matters relating to the general supervision and control of the education, training and welfare of persons who are blind residing in the State. The Council shall also consider such other matters as may be referred to it by the Governor, the Secretary of the Department or the Administrator of the Division for the Visually Impaired. The Council may study, research, plan and advise the Administrator, Secretary and Governor on matters it deems appropriate to enable the Division to function in the best possible manner.
(c) The Council on the Blind shall be composed of 7 members who shall be appointed for 3-year terms by the Governor.
(d) At least 3, but no more than 4, members of the Council shall be affiliated with 1 of the major political parties and at least 2, but no more than 3, of the newly appointed members shall be affiliated with the other major political party; provided, however, there shall be no more than a bare majority representation of 1 major political party over the other major political party. Any person who declines to announce such person's political affiliation shall also be eligible for appointment as a member of the Council.
(e) Members of the Council shall serve without compensation, except that they may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incident to their duties as members of the Council.
(f) A Chairperson of the Council shall be chosen by the members of the Council from among its members and shall serve in that capacity for a term of 1 year and shall be eligible for reelection.
(g) Any replacement appointment to the Council to fill a vacancy prior to the expiration of a term shall be filled for the remainder of the term.